The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism invites applications for the AI for Climate Action Award to elevate open-source, artificial intelligence solutions addressing climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation. Individuals, teams, start-ups, and organizations over the age of 18 are eligible to apply, provided their AI-powered solution is developed in or for least developed countries (LDCs) or small island developing States (SIDS). The program does not offer direct cash grants; instead, finalists receive fully funded travel to the AI for Climate Action Forum in October 2026, and the overall winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip for one person to present their initiative at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. The deadline for applications is 03 July 2026. AI for Climate Action Award
awards/prizes
Korea International Water Week — World Water Challenge 2026
The Korea Water Forum invites solutions for the World Water Challenge, an international contest that aims to identify global water issues and find feasible solutions. Anyone, including individuals, businesses, and organizations from any country, can participate by submitting innovative technologies, scientific methods, or policy ideas. The organizers offer a total prize pool of KRW16 million (approximately US$11 thousand), including a grand prize of KRW10 million, with the top winners invited to present their ideas during the Korea International Water Week. The deadline for submitting solutions is 12 July 2026. Know more
Global Citizen — Small Business Impact Awards
Global Citizen and PayPal invite applications for the Small Business Impact Awards to support entrepreneurs who integrate equity and sustainability into their business operations. Independent founders, owners, or chief executive officers of small-to-medium-sized businesses are eligible to apply. Applicants must operate within North America, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East and Africa, and demonstrate a one-to-five-year track record of driving positive environmental or social change. Selected businesses receive a cash prize of US$20 thousand. The deadline for applications is 19 July 2026. Small Business Impact Awards
The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge for Social and Environmental Impact
The Gap in Between invites impact-driven startups to participate in its annual Startup Challenge, which aims to accelerate social and environmental transformation. The program is open to international startups across the fields of climate, mobility, health, food, and social innovation that have validated products or market traction and are seeking investment or strategic partnerships. Selected startups gain visibility within the European impact ecosystem, pitch opportunities on an international stage, and access to curated connections with investors and decision-makers. The application deadline is 21 July 2026. Startup Challenge
UNIDO — Innovative Solutions in Cleantech
Global Cleantech Innovation Program promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing economies to address climate and environmental challenges. The program supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative cleantech ideas in establishing and upscaling robust business models. Deadlines vary. Please check carefully. Know more
Prototypes for Humanity — Global Innovation Awards for University Projects
Prototypes for Humanity invites applications for its global awards program to recognize university projects focused on environmental and social sustainability. Academic researchers, professors, and students from any country and university level are eligible to submit their technology-driven inventions, scientific discoveries, or design prototypes. The initiative looks for scalable solutions that address serious global challenges, such as climate change mitigation, sustainable agriculture, environmental pollution, and water resources depletion. The program offers a total prize pool of US$100 thousand, which is split among several winning teams to help advance their research. The deadline for applications is 03 August 2026. More here
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — AWIEF Awards 2026
Each year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards recognize Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. There are 8 award categories, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements made by a female entrepreneur and national of an African country. Nominees can be nominated or self-nominated. The deadline for entries is 03 August 2026. AWIEF Awards
Saïd Business School — Global Climate Tech Challenge
The Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford hosts a global competition to encourage tech-driven solutions to the climate crisis. Teams of three to five high school students aged 15 to 18, as well as individual high school teachers from any country, are eligible to submit tech-based ideas or lesson plans addressing issues like air pollution, extreme weather, food security, biodiversity, or water scarcity. Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Oxford to present their ideas, while the winning student team receives a full scholarship to the Future Climate Tech Innovators summer school and the winning teacher receives a place on an Oxford Executive Education program. The deadline for entries is 17 August 2026. Global Climate Tech Challenge
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Social Impact Prize
The iF Social Impact Prize aims to publish and support design projects that contribute to solving urgent challenges and help to improve living conditions in the developing world. Solutions should already be established and help to solve well-known issues in any category of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The best projects will share a cash prize of €100 thousand in total. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, companies, and foundations (student concepts will not be accepted). Social projects can be submitted until 19 August 2026. iF Social Impact Prize
Future for Nature Foundation — Future for Nature Award 2027
The Future for Nature Award aims to stimulate a new generation of nature conservation leaders. The award is made to candidates of any nationality or residence, not older than age 35, who have achieved substantial and long-term benefit to the conservation status of one or more animal and/or plant species, or that of a specific population. Work-related to the conservation and protection of endangered species is a priority. The award is made to individuals, not organizations. Each of the three award winners will be given a cash prize and a sculpture. The winners are expected to invest their prize of €50 thousand in a conservation project of their own choice. The application deadline is 23 August 2026. Future for Nature Award